His parents were farmers, and later became ministers who pastored two churches. Jerry grew up working on the farm, and continued to work on the 500 acre farm into adulthood. His parents always brought him to church, and he was saved at an early age. It was in church that he met the woman who would become his wife, Barbara Doot. They married in 1949, and together they had three children, Kathy, Douglas, and Richard. Jerry and Barbara celebrated 71 years of marriage in May 2020. She was the love of his life, and he was the only man she ever loved.
Jerry served several years in the National Guard, and received his honorable discharge in 1951. He left farming and managed the airport cab company for a few years. Then he joined the Ypsilanti, Michigan, police force. Jerry was promoted several times until he reached the rank of lieutenant. He resigned in 1970, and the family moved to Florida.
In Florida, Jerry and Barbara purchased Waller Garden Supply on State Road 7 in Fort Lauderdale. The store became Burkhard’s Tractor and Equipment. In 1984 they purchased another store in Davie, and operated both stores for four years before selling the Fort Lauderdale store. They worked together, along with their two boys and employees. Jerry loved working with his boys and loved selling John Deere tractors. Even though he retired at age 65, he continued to work part-time until 2015. The business will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall.
Jerry’s long time friends humorously nicknamed him, “A Man of Many Words,” but the truth is he was a quiet man and a good listener! Church was always very important to him, and he insisted the whole family attend church—no excuses! He was an usher for many years in the Baptist Church until he began to attend Abundant Life Christian Centre. There he was ordained a Deacon and was a member of the church steering committee. Jerry was a significant contributor to Abundant Life’s television ministry, and generously gave so that the church could reach 180 countries with the Gospel. He faithfully served the church until he was no longer physically able.
His legacy includes Pastor Kathy Thomas and her husband Bishop Richard W. Thomas, and their children Heather and Sean; Douglas and his wife Marthe, and their children, Carrie, Cristina, and Melissa; Richard and his wife Michelle, and their children Devon and Madison; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, Michael, Parker, Penelope, and Saiah; Alex and Alyssa; Brayden, Addison and Blake; and, Jacob and Matthew.
The family will miss him greatly, but rejoice that he is in Heaven with Jesus.
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